Swindon launch their home season with the second leg of the Charity Shield on Thursday (7.30pm) – and supporters can take advantage of the new Robins Fanzone facilities.
The CFS Filtration Robins go into the meeting facing a narrow six-point deficit against opponents Belle Vue in the race for the first silverware of the 2018 campaign.
And it’s an important competitive Abbey opener for Alun Rossiter’s side as they are just a week away from launching their Premiership defence against a powerful-looking Leicester outfit.
Following the success of last year’s ‘meet and greets’ there will now be a distinctive Fanzone stand present at each home meeting, situated outside the turnstiles.
The Fanzone will host a member of the 2018 team between 6pm and 6.30pm, giving supporters an ideal opportunity to arrive early and meet the riders for autographs and photographs.
Additionally, club lottery tickets and programmes can be purchased, and Robins Nest Supporters Club membership will be available.
On-track, the Robins take on the Aces for the second time this week, and will be eager to avoid a repeat of opening-night last season when the Manchester side secured a narrow 46-44 win in a Premiership clash.
Both sides are unchanged from the first leg, which means a home debut for new Robins reserve Mitchell Davey, whilst Troy Batchelor returns to the Abbey as a home rider after his season-and-a-half with King’s Lynn.
Belle Vue are led by British Champion Craig Cook, who enters the Grand Prix series this year, and include ex-Robins Steve Worrall and Rohan Tungate – who experienced contrasting fortunes on Monday. Polish newcomer Damian Drozdz will make his first appearance at the Abbey.
Swindon boss Alun Rossiter said: “We’re certainly capable of pulling the six points back, but its not going to be easy because Belle Vue have done plenty of damage here over recent years.
“Despite them losing (Kenneth) Bjerre over the winter they look to be very powerful once again, and I expect it to be a close contest on aggregate.
“It’s an excellent home opener for us, and the track was in superb condition for press and practice last week. I haven’t seen it so good in years, so all the boys are looking forward to getting out there and racing on Thursday.”
SWINDON: Nick Morris, Adam Ellis, Troy Batchelor, David Bellego, Tobiasz Musielak, Zach Wajtknecht, Mitchell Davey.
BELLE VUE: Craig Cook, Steve Worrall, Damian Drozdz, Rohan Tungate, Max Fricke, Jye Etheridge, Dan Bewley.
